2023 Stocktonian of the Year

Sharon was born and raised in Oroville, California and attended Chico State University receiving her Elementary School Teaching Credential before moving to Stockton. For the next 20 years, Sharon taught second grade and Kindergarden at Village Oaks School while enriching the young lives of her grateful students.

After retiring from teaching, Sharon asked God for guidance to help those in need. She and Barbara Tognoli co-founded the Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary in the year 2000. Sharon has not only provided bedside care, prayers and compassion to her patients, she has been an integral part of this fundraising auxiliary which has grown to 4 chapters, sponsoring hundreds of events to sustain the only nonprofit Hospice House in San Joaquin County.

Sharon’s passion for the homeless took her in a new journey in 2016. Along with Chinu Medhi and her daughter Meela, they co-founded the Uplift All Foundation to serve the homeless population in San Joaquin County to provide clean clothes for people in need. With fundraising efforts, they raised funds to purchase the first van with portable washer and dryers. Presently, this foundation has expanded to 3 mobile vans in 6 different sites including Delta College, St John’s Church in Stockton, and also serve Lodi and Tracy locations.

Sharon doesn’t stop here. She makes beautiful flower arrangements and takes them to Hospice House once a week. She also gathers other helpers to gift over 500 people with stockings filled with toiletries, socks, beanies, shampoo and other treats. These are distributed around the holidays to the Haven of Peace, Gospel Center Rescue Mission, and St. Mary’s Community Services.

Sharon currently serves as a board member of the Gospel Center Rescue Mission and Uplift All Foundation. She is an active volunteer for Haven of Peace, St Mary’s Community Services, Hospice of San Joaquin, and United Way.

In addition to receiving the keys to the city of Stockton, Sharon has been blessed with receiving awards such as: The Angel Award from the Hospice of San Joaquin Hospice Auxiliary, the Susan B Anthony Award, the United Way Power of One Award and noted as a Wonder Woman in the San Joaquin Magazine.

Sharon says she receives much joy when giving to those less fortunate. It makes her happy to see them smiling, laughing, and feeling love and respect. It’s her privilege to be part of their lives.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Brookside Golf & Country Club, 3603 Saint Andrews Drive, Stockton, United States